Thousands of people packed into library square on December 1 to watch the first lighting of the Christmas tree for 2017.

It was a chance for children to pat a live reindeer and get a photo with Santa in front of the tree and for families to wear red and green and enter the Christmas spirit, Redlands style.

The words of Mayor Karen Williams were drowned about by the sound of excited children who tuned in when she started the count down from 10 to the lighting of the tree. Following, a shower of white paper flooded the square, giving the illusion of snow.

The festivities continued with the closure of Bloomfield Street to create a space for Christmas markets. The Cleveland gallery was also open, to launch its latest exhibition of works by Yurara and Coochie artists.